Modular float and pier structure



April 6, 1965 B. G. E. STIFF MODULAR FLOAT AND PIER STRUCTURE 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 4, 1962 FIG. I

4 I 6 k m 1] a :Vjif AY/ INVENTOR. BERNARD G. E. STIFF .llllllulllllilllllllllllllllll l I k r I ll Illlll ATTORNEYS April 6, 1965 B. e. E.STIFF MODULAR'FLOAT AND PIER STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 4,1962 FIG.5

FIG. 8

F mm m S M E G D R A N R E B m m n r m W F O 2 9 X G a 0 H r 8 6 m n .L7 7 7 A i 1, 7 1 7 mm ATTORNEYS United States Patent MGDUIJAR FLQAT ANDPIER S'IRUETIJRE Bernard G. tin", Lynntield Center, Mass, assignor toVlilliam L. Erieson, Mlarhlehead, Mass.

Filed Get. 4, I962, Ser. No. 228,322 4 Claims. (El. 61-46) Thisinvention pertains to an improved :modular float and pier structure, andhas as its primary objects the provision of an improved structure whichcan be assembled and disassembled very readily; which is portable; whichincludes only a small number of parts, of standardized size and types;and in which light parts combine to afford a strong and rigid structure.

Each module of my improved structure is made up of a series of girdersections, which are connected to form a polygonal (usually rectangular)framework by means of a single key located at each corner or apex of thepolygon. A series of modules may be interconnected to the keys ofadjacent modules, using the intervening girder sections in common, thusreducing the number of parts required in a multiple construction. Thegirders are readily connected in the keys by pin means, which maycomprise separate pins, or may be integrally formed in the girdersthemselves.

As a feature of the invention, each module includes a deck element whoseedges abut the girders interiorly to give the polygonal structure afixed form, and thereby support the girders transversely. The girdersmay therefore be light and relatively flexible transversely. The deck isalso mounted upon the keys at the corners of the module, and the partsthus are secured by a common means which joins them into a sturdy unitof light weight.

A series of modules may be interconnected to form a complex pier orfloat structure of any desired form, and it is another feature of theinvention that the second and succeeding modules utilize at least two ofthe keys and share at least one adjacent girder of the precedingmodules. A girder shared in common by adjacent deck elements acts as aseparator, and is transversely supported by both.

i A further feature of the invention pertains to the special form of thekeys and their manner of cooperation with the other elements, whichpermits the girders, floats or posts, and deck elements not only of afirst, but also of adjacent modules, to be interconnected by means of asingle key. These keys further permit any of the other elements to beindividually attached or detached without disturbing the remainder ofthe structure. A'single person is thus able to assemble and disassemblea pier or a float piece by piece, without inconvenience or any need tohandle cumbersome sub-assemblies, and without having to remove one partin order to deal with another. To these ends, the keys compriseelongated members having a longitudinal bore'for receiving a post, as ina pier construction. Pin-receiving openings and recesses are formed incircumferentially-spaced alternating array about the longitudinal bore;the latter preferably opening onto the bore, for receiving angles bymeans of which deck elements may be attached. The angles may also serveto secure the supporting post in an adjusted position in the key. Thenumber of pin-receiving openings and anglereceiving recesses may vary,depending upon whether the particular key is intended to connect theparts of a single module, or to interconnect two, three, or four modulesat a common locus.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outthe subject matter which I regard as my invention, it is believed that aclearer understanding may be gained from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments thereof, referring to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary pictorial view of an assembled pier' accordingto the invention, showing the manner of interconnecting modules; 7

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a corner portion of a module;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary viewin elevation of the module of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken. along line l-4 in FIGURE 2, lookingin the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a key comprising one element of the assembly;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view showing the manner of connecting a number ofmodules;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view showing the manner of interconnection oftelescoping posts by means of a key;

FIGURE 8 is a view in elevation showing the'incorporation of a module ina float structure;

' FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation showing a modified key andpin means;

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of the key of FIGURE '9;

FIGURE 11 is a view in elevation and partially in section of anotherform of key and pin means; and

FIGURE 12 is a sectional plan view taken along line 12-42 in FIGURE 11,looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to FIGURES 1-7, a preferred construction of my modularstructure is made up of pairs of prefabricated girders l0 and 12,interconnected to'form rectangular frames by means of keys 14 and 16,and deck members 1% which are also mounted on the keys. It is desirable,though not necessary, that the decksv 18 be approximately 32 inches Widealong the girders 1t), and approximately 4 feet in length along thegirders 12, so that the modules may be assembled endwise to form a pierof conventional dimensions. Further, elements of this moderate size areconveniently portable, and three decks may be cut from a standard 4 by 8foot sheet of plywood.

Each of the girders It or 12 is made up of a pair of longitudinalstringers 2.0 and 22, and a sinuous brace 24, which is spot-welded orotherwise firmly secured to the stringers at the points of contact. Thereturn bends of the brace extend above the upper stringer 20 to formprotrusions 26, which abut the deck 18 about its periphery. Thisengagement serves not only to give themodule a fixed form, but thegirders are supported against transverse deflection by virtue of theirabutment with the deck.

Each terminus of the brace 24 extends vertically as at 28, to providerigid support to the ends of the stringers, which are formed with eyes3%. It is important to note that the center of each eye coincides withthe centerline structure by means of the keys 14 and 16, each of whichhas a central bore 34 for receiving a supporting post 37 therethrough.Each key is provided with circumferentially-spaced recesses 36 about thebore 34. The keys 14 and 16 also are provided with pin-receivingopenings 38, alternating in circumferential array with the recesses 36;and differ in the number of these openings as well as of the recesses36,-but are otherwise similar. It will be apparent by reference to FIG.1 that a key 16 having only two openings 38 may be used at the terminalcorners of the pier, whereas a key 14 having three openings 38 a, negrois necessary for interconnecting two adjacent modules. As shown in FIG.6, a longer and wider structure may be prepared by assembling moduleslaterally andlongitudinally, utilizing keys 15 at the corners, keys 14at the centers of each edge, and a key 42, having four pinreceivingopenings 38, at the center of the structure. The key 42 is shown inenlarged scale in FIG. 5; in this case, four recessesfi are alsoprovided, for connection of the decksof four adjacent modules.

The girders are connected to the keysby means of pins 40, each of whichis dropped downwardly through the eye 39 of a stringer 20, through abore 38, and through the eye 3%) of a'lower stringer 22.

The recesses 35 receive L-shaped angles 44, of which one leg is receivedwithin the recess and the other overlies thekey for attachment to thelower surface of the deck 18 by means of a machine screw 46. The screw46 is preferably recessed into the deck surface, being received in a cup48, so that a flush surface results. The angle 44 is secured in therecess 36 by means of. a machine screw 50 and washer 52, and servesalso, if desired, to lock a post 37 in an adjusted position through ajamming action. This is achieved by means of one of a pair ofindentations 54 in the bracket wall, above and below an opening 56 forthe screw 59. The indentations might alternatively take the form of aprotrusion in the angle itself. As the screw Si? is drawn up in threadedengagement with the angle 44, the latter pivots about the indentation 54and. jams with the upper end of the post 37. One such angle 44 isprovided at each corner of the deck 18, and in this manner adjacentdecks may be secured to the same keys interconnecting the girders. Itshould be noted that each pair of angles form a trapezoidal linkage witha girder and the deck, and thus increases the rigidity of the polygonalform.

Where the pier is used in shallow water, single lengths of piping maysufiice for the posts 37, but where deeper water is encountered, Iprefer to provide a telescoping post arrangement, as indicated in FIG. 1and illustrated in a detailed cross-section in FIG. 7. A second postsection 53 is telescoped within the first section 37, and secured in anadjusted telescoped relation by means of an inverted key 16, which maybe identical with the keys utilized in the deck support. A machine screwEd is in this case threaded into a rectangular wedging block all, whichis received in a recess 36 of the key and wedged against an indentation54. As the screw 56 is drawn up, the block 6% cents about theindentation, and jams into the side of the post 58. The upper post 37rests against the block 69, and thus transmits the supported load to thepost 58.

Preferably, an additional girder 12 extends transversely of the pierbetween two telescoping post structures to pre- A cups areinterconnected by a central reduced portion 75, permitting the hooks toenter the holes 74. A central bore 76 is provided to receive asupporting post, and recesses 77 are formed in circumferential array,alternating with the holes '74, for receiving angles 44 (not shown).

. of covers 88 are positioned over the ends to secure the ventside-sway, being secured in the keys in just as in the deck-supportingassembly.

The basic module structure may be used to construct floats instead ofthe piers which have been described.

Such a float module is shown in FIG. 8, in which parts similar to thoseof the preceding embodiment are similarly numbered. An assembled modulecomprising a deck section 18, a plurality of girders 10 and four keys16, is mounted on floats 64, which may be secured to the deck bythrough-bolts (not shown). The floats may be of any desired material,such "as plastic foam or wood, or may be a bouyant tank. It will beapparent that a float of larger size may be assembled from a number ofthese modules, substituting keys 14 or 42 where needed. I 3 A modifiedgirder and key construction is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in which the'pinmeans for interconnecting these members are formed integrally in theends of the girders, comprising downwardly bent hooks 63 formed in thestringers 2i? and 22 of a girder 10. A key 70 is formed witha pair ofenlarged circular portions 72, each having four circumferentially-spacedholes 74 extending therethrough, to receive the hooks 68 of the girders.The

stringers 2t) and 22 of adjacent girders upon the key. Each stringerterminates in an arcuate hook 96 comprising integral pin means. Thehooks 96 extend somewhat less than 90 degrees about the grooves $6, thuspermitting four intersecting girders to be secured in the key. The caps88 are provided with pin-receiving openings 92 spaced at 90 degreeintervals thereabout, in alternating circumferential array with therecesses 84, to receive the hooks 96. A central opening 90 is formed ineachcap to permit the post 82 to be received in the key. The hooks 96first being positioned. in the grooves, the assembly is secured by meansof threaded fasteners (not shown) which pass through openings 94 in thecovers 88 and into threaded engagement with the key. In order that thesame threaded fasteners may be used to secure the angles in the recesses$4, the openings 94 are circumferentially aligned with these recesses.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that I have provideda modular structure for floats and piers which comprises only threeessential groups of interchangeable parts, including girders, keys, anddeck members. Pin means for interconnecting these parts may be formedintegrally in the girders, or furnished separately. These elements areeasily assembled into a sturdy composite structure, and can be quicklydisassembled and stored compactly. Because of the multiple utility ofthe parts, they may be conveniently packaged and sold in kit form, anddistributors are relieved of the need to stock a great variety ofdifferent parts and sizes. While I have illustrated and describedpreferred embodiments of the invention by way of illustration, it willbe apparent that various changes and modifications will occur to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe invention, which I therefore intend to define in the appended claimswithout limitation to the specific details of the described embodiments.

What I claim is:

1. A modular structure for piers and floats, comprising, in combination;a plurality of girders, keys, and pin means, said keys being providedwith spaced-apart openings for receiving said pin means, said pin meansbeing attached to said girders and received in said key openings tosecure ends of said girders thereto to form a polygonal framework inwhich a key forms each apex and a planar polygonal deck elementreceivable in said framework for support thereby in a direction normalto said deck, the edges of said deck element abutting said girdersinteriorly of said framework for transverse support thereof, saidkeysfurther being provided with recesses located intermediate adjacent onesof said pin-receiving openings, a plurality of angles secured insaidrecesses and securing the apices of said deck element thereto, wherebysaid girders and said deck element are independently secured to saidkeys, a plurality of supporting posts, each of said keys being formedwith a central bore receiving one of said supporting posts, saidrecesses in each key communicating with said bore thereof to receivesaid angles in abut-ting relation against said post, and means forjamming said angles into gripping engagement with said posts a pluralityof girders, keys, and pin means, each of said keys being provided with aplurality of openings for receiving said pin means, said pin means beingattached to said girders and received in said key openings to secureends of a plurality of girders thereto to form connected polygonalframeworks in which a key dorms each apex, and a plurality or" planarpolygonal decks, each receivable in one of said frameworks for supportthereby in a direction normal to said deck, the edges of said decksabutting the girders interiorly of the frameworks for transverse supportthereof, said keys further being provided With recesses locatedintermediate adjacent ones of said pin-receiving openings, a pluralityof angles secured in said recesses and securing the apices of said decksthereto, said openings and said recesses being located incircumferentially-spaced alternating array about each of said keys,whereby a number of girders and decks of adjacent modules may be securedin common to each of said keys.

3. A structure as recited in claim 2, adjacent pairs of connectedmodules sharing two of said keys and one of said girders in common.

4. A modular structure for piers and floats comprising, in combination;a plurality of girders having integral arcuate hooks, a plurality ofkeys, each of said keys being provided with at least one cap attachedthereon, said caps being formed with openings and said keys being formedwith arcuate grooves communicating with said openings and receiving saidhooks therethrough to secure ends of said girders thereto to form apolygonal framework in which a key forms each apex, and a planarpolygonal deck receivable in said framework for support thereby in adirection normal to said deck, the edges of said deck abutting saidgirders interiorly of said framework for transverse support thereof,said keys further being provided with independent means for securing theapices of said deck thereto. 7

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,184,764 5/ 16Marsh 28720.5 2,303,428 12/42 Black 18915.5 2,673,165 3/ 54 Fitzgerald287--20.1 2,744,590 5/56 Butts 189-36 FOREIGN PATENTS 20,178 12/ GreatBritain. 820,963 11/51 Germany.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

1. A MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR PIERS AND FLOATAS, COMPRISING, INCOMBINATION; A PLURALITY OF GIRDERS, KEYS, AND PIN MEANS, SAID KEYSBEING PROVIDED WITH SPACED-APART OPENINGS FOR RECEIVING SAID PINS MEANS,SAID PIN MEANS BEING ATTACHED TO SAID GIRDERS AND RECEIVED IN SAID KEYOPENINGS TO SECURE ENDS OF SAID GIRDERS THERETO TO FORM A POLYGONALFRAMEWORK IN WHICH A KEY FORMS EACH APEX AND A PLANAR POLYGONAL DECKELEMENT RECEIVABLE IN SAID FRAMEWORK FOR SUPPORT THEREBY IN A DIRECTIONNORMAL TO SAID DECK, THE EDGES OF SAID DECK ELEMENT ABUTTING SAIDGIRDERS INTERIORLY OF SAID FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSVERSE SUPPORT THEREOF,SAID KEYS FURTHER BEING PROVIDED WITH RECESSES LOCATED INTERMEDIATEADJACENT ONES OF SAID PIN-RECEIVING OPENINGS, A PLURALITY OF ANGLESSECURED IN SAID RECESSES AND SECURING THE APICES OF SAID DECK ELEMENTTHERETO, WHEREBY SAID GIRDERS AND SAID DECK ELEMENT ARE INDEPENDENTLYSECURED TO SAID KEYS, A PLURALITY OF SUPPORTING POSTS, EACH OF SAID KEYSBEING FORMED WITH A CENTRAL BORE RECEVING ONE OF SAID SUPPORTING POSTS,SAID RECESSES IN EACH KEY COMMUNICATING WITH SAID BORE THEREOF TORECEIVE SAID ANGLES IN ABUTTING RELATON AGAINST SAID POST, AND MEANS FORJAMMINS SAID ANGLES INTO GRIPPING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID POSTS TO SECURESAID MODULAR STRUCTURE THEREON.